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Email Reservations: aiais@namibiabookings.com
The recently re-furbished Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa & Resort is
at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon and offers an excellent
place to relax in and around the thermal baths & heated swimming
pool, especially after a hot, dusty day's drive or when completing
The Fish River Hiking Trail.
It is the ideal destination when heading towards South Africa,
or northen-route to Sossusvlei and Windhoek, for individual travellers
and families alike.
The resort is set at a sulphurous hot spring, which makes perfect
sense as the name '/ai-/ais' means 'burning water' in the local
Nama language. It indicates the extreme heat of the hot springs,
which date back to 1850, when they were discovered by a Nama herder,
searching for his lost sheep.
As this resort is a very popular holiday destination with families
from both Namibia and South Africa, it is advisable to book well
in advance.
As with all thermal springs, the water is supposed to have natural
curative properties, and is especially beneficial for sufferers
of rheumatism .For the more energetic, there are some enjoyable,
but sometimes arduous walks into the canyon, especially pleasant
in the late afternoon when the shadows are long, and the heat off
the rocks contrast with the cool sand.
The improvements at Ai Ais include a brand new restaurant and bar,
serving buffet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seating up
to 100 visitors. Other facilities include a laundry and room service,
secure parking and up-to-date disabled ramps into all buildings,
including the rooms.
Valuables can be locked up in the safe in the reception. Children
of all ages are welcome, but parents must supervise their youngsters
at all times, especially when in and around the thermal baths /
swimming pools.
Ai Ais Hot Springs Spa Resort Accommodation
Accommodation is in 36 brand new double rooms and 7 premier chalets.
12 of the rooms have river views and the remaining 24 have mountain
views. All of these rooms have been fitted in the new Spa complex
and sit over the indoor thermal pool.
So there is no excuse for not popping downstairs for a relaxing
session in the pool, or to visit one of the treatment rooms for
a body or head massage, to get rid of those unwanted aches and pains.
• The 12 river view rooms are equipped with an en-suite bathroom
and bath, air-conditioning and a tea/coffee station.They also have
the added facility of an outside shower!
• The 24 mountain view rooms have an en-suite bathroom with
a shower, air-conditioning and a tea/coffee station.
• The 7 premier chalets are for families/groups and are equipped
with an en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning. The 3 bedrooms,
have either a ¾ size, 2 x queen, or 1 x king-size bed in
each room.
The self-catering kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, 2 plate
stove, microwave oven, kettle, pots/pans and plates/cutlery.An added
attraction of these brand new chalets, is that there are 2 verandahs,
with both river and mountain views!
The other main attraction at Ai-Ais (besides the indoor thermal
pool) is the popular, but cooler outdoor pool. As the surrounding
countryside is arid and rocky and in summertime temperatures soar,
not only is a session in either pool beneficial to your health,
it also helps you to keep cool. This is a perfect venue for chilling
out and tables/chairs are provided.
Ai Ais Hot Springs Spa Resort Activities
Activities include walking trails up the ravine, the Fish River
Canyon Hiking Trail and guided scenic excursions within the park.
An advantage when travelling in this part of the world, is the
clear and open southern sky. It is great for star gazing, and the
minimal reflections at night make it an ideal stopover for keen
astronomers and enthusiasts alike.
The Ai-Ais area is also a geologists' dream - with rock formations
dating back to millions of years. Visitors of all ages can enjoy
some soul-searching walks in the surrounding areas of the camp,
and they can also easily drive to the main Fish River Canyon View
point at Hobas for breathtaking panoramic views.
Hiking
The Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail starts from the main viewpoint
near Hobas and ends at Ai-Ais, is a truly unique trail. It is approximately
80km long, and takes 4-5 days to complete. The park is open for
these trails from May 1 to September 15 each year. A maximum of
30 persons per day are allowed into the canyon for hiking. Children
under the age of 12 are not permitted.
Demand is high, so reservations should be made well in advance.
Hikers must present a recent medical certificate of fitness within
the preceding 40 days and complete an indemnity form, prior to commencing
the trail. They are also advised to stay over at Hobas the night
before the hike commences, although there is a shuttle service to
Hobas from Ai-Ais for hikers only.
Hot springs
Built around the thermal springs - days can be spent relaxing in
the spa water
Directions:
The thermal hot springs of Ai-Ais lie in the southern part of the
Fish River nature conservation area. It is best accessed via the
B1. Near Grünau turn off on to the C10. Ai-Ais lies at the
end of this gravel road (73 kilometers).
Email Reservations: aiais@namibiabookings.com
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